Striped Pumpkin Nerite Snail
Pumpkin Nerite snails are a striking and practical addition to freshwater aquariums, prized for both their vivid appearance and their algae-cleaning abilities. Their colour patten can vary from snail to snail which makes them even more interesting, they generally are a yellow/amber colour with some being more orangey/peachy coloured.
These small snails typically grow to about 2.5 -3cm in diameter and are instantly recognizable by their bright orange to deep pumpkin-coloured shells, often accented with dark, intricate patterns or stripes. Their patterning is often similar to that seen in Clithon snails, featuring bold, decorative markings that make each individual unique. Their rounded, slightly domed shells resemble tiny pumpkins, hence the name.
Native to coastal regions and brackish waters, Pumpkin Nerite snails are hardy and adaptable, thriving in a range of aquarium setups. They are peaceful and completely safe for community tanks, as they do not harm plants or other tank inhabitants.
Care Requirements:
Pumpkin Nerite snails are relatively low-maintenance but do best under stable conditions. They prefer water temperatures between 22–28°C, with a pH of 7.0–8.5 and moderate to high hardness to support healthy shell growth. Soft, acidic water can lead to shell erosion over time, so maintaining adequate calcium levels is important, this can be done through cuttlebone, mineral supplements, or calcium-rich foods.
They require a well-established tank with plenty of natural algae or biofilm to graze on. While they are excellent algae eaters, their diet can be supplemented with algae wafers or shrimp foods such as our shrimp pro range.
A secure lid is recommended, as Nerite snails are known to explore and may climb out of the tank, or keep the water level dropped a little to encourage them to go back into the water. They require brackish water to reproduce, meaning they won’t overpopulate in typical aquariums.
Overall, Pumpkin Nerite snails combine eye-catching colour with low-maintenance care, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists looking to enhance the beauty and cleanliness of their tank.
We only ship snails out on Mondays for delivery on Tuesday (order before 11pm)
How We Ship Our Snails
We usually ship our snails using a "low-stress" damp method rather than filling a bag with water. We gently wrap them in damp paper towel and place them in an deli cup. This keeps them moist and safe without letting the water get dirty during the trip.
Why Your Snails Might Look "Dead" (Dormancy)
When your box arrives, your snails will probably be tightly closed up and completely still. They are not dead—they are just sleeping.
Shipping tricks the snails into thinking it is "low tide," so they go into a protective sleep mode to save energy. It takes them a little while to realise they are safe in a new home.
How to Wake Them Up
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Put them in water: Place the snails into your tank or a small bowl of tank water.
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Face them down: Place them right-side up on the bottom of the tank. Nerite snails cannot flip themselves over easily. If they are upside down, they won't open up.
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Wait 24 hours: It can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours for a snail to wake up and start moving.
Still worried? Give the snail a quick sniff. If it smells completely normal, it is just resting. A dead snail will have a very strong, terrible odour.
